Chapter 110: After all, young people are full of vigor

At this moment, the sole female representative attending court, Liu Xijun, turned slightly, faced the officials, and her clear voice echoed in the hall:

Ladies and gentlemen, although I am a woman, I also know the predicament facing the Great Han today. Developing the south is like opening a new broad road for our Great Han. The south possesses abundant resources; if we can develop and utilize them properly, it will surely make the Great Han even more prosperous and flourishing.

Liu Xijun recalled her experience in Xianyang, her eyes flashing with light as she said: 'I once lived in Xianyang for a time, and personally witnessed the tremendous changes in Xianyang after His Majesty implemented the new policies. The roads became level and wide, the people lived in peace and prosperity, and commerce thrived. Now, developing the south, I believe that under His Majesty's enlightened leadership, we can create a similar miracle.'

She then clenched her fists, her tone firm, saying: 'I am willing to contribute my efforts to the development of the south, whether in publicity and promotion or in participating in concrete affairs; as long as His Majesty has need, Xijun will certainly not decline!'

Liu Ju looked at Huo Guang and Liu Xijun, thinking to himself, 'Young people really dare to fight and strive!'

He smiled with satisfaction: 'Excellent, with your two supports, I have greater confidence in the southern development plan.'

He again scanned the officials, his gaze resolute, saying: 'Loyal ministers, developing the south is imperative. Although we will face many difficulties in the process, as long as we work together, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.'

Wei Qing let out a long breath and solemnly said: 'Your Majesty, I am willing to fully support your plan. I am willing to lead the troops to safeguard the southern development, ensuring the project proceeds smoothly.'

Seeing Wei Qing's declaration, the other officials also knelt down one after another, expressing their willingness to support Liu Ju's decision.

Liu Ju looked at the officials, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

'Good! Since all of you officials support my plan, we will immediately begin preparations. Minister Tian Qianqiu, you are responsible for coordinating all aspects of the southern development; you must attend to every detail, big or small, to ensure the plan is implemented smoothly.'

'I will obey the edict!' Tian Qianqiu replied, having received the order.

'Wei King, you will lead part of the troops to the south, responsible for maintaining local security and ensuring the people's safety.' Liu Ju then said to Wei Qing.

'I will obey the command!' Wei Qing answered firmly.

'Marquis of Bowang, you will use your rich diplomatic experience to establish friendly relations with the southern tribes and neighboring countries, creating a favorable external environment for the southern development.' Liu Ju continued to assign tasks.

'I will not disgrace the mission!' Zhang Qian said, clasping his hands.

Liu Ju then looked at Sang Hongyang, Huo Guang, and Liu Xijun and said: 'Sang Hongyang, as Minister of Works, you should naturally oversee the implementation of this project, coordinating with Chancellor Tian to manage the overall situation.'

'Huo Guang, effective immediately you will serve as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of this southern development campaign, working alongside Chancellor Tian.'

'Xijun, you are responsible for publicity and cultural work, and for women's affairs; I hope they will actively participate in building the Great Han.'

Sang Hongyang, Huo Guang, and Liu Xijun gladly accepted the orders.

Immediately, Liu Ju added: 'To ensure the smooth progress of this development campaign, I have decided to open bidding to society at large; whether merchants or commoners, anyone can undertake the projects and also enjoy a share of the operating profits upon completion.'

Upon these words, the officials again began to discuss heatedly.

Many people were puzzled by the new term, so Liu Ju patiently explained it.

After a long while, Sang Hongyang was the first to stand up, his brows furrowed, his face full of worry, saying: 'Your Majesty, I have pondered this for a long time and somewhat understand its meaning. Although this plan is excellent, it does entail many problems.'

'If merchants and commoners participate in undertaking the projects, most of them lack knowledge of construction; if they rashly take on the projects, how can the quality be guaranteed? The Grand Canal is vital to the nation's lifeline; if the quality is poor, it will surely bring endless troubles in the future!'

Soon after, Su Wu also said: 'Your Majesty, how can we ensure fairness in the bidding process? Commoners and merchants differ greatly in wealth and connections; merchants are highly likely to use their advantages to manipulate the bidding, leaving commoners with no chance to participate—does this not contradict your original intention of fair competition?'

Tian Qianqiu echoed: 'Yes, Your Majesty. Even if the bidding can be fair, how should the operating profit share be defined? Different projects yield different returns; how can we allocate profits reasonably so that contractors are satisfied while national interests are not harmed? This is truly a thorny problem.'

Facing the officials' doubts, Liu Ju remained calm and unhurried, saying: 'Loyal ministers, regarding the quality issue, I have already considered it. The court will establish a specialized supervisory agency, sending experienced craftsmen and professional officials to oversee each contracted project throughout.'

'From design to construction, every step will be strictly controlled; if a quality problem is discovered, the contractor will be ordered to rectify it immediately; if the rectification is insufficient, not only will their contracting qualification be canceled, but they will also be held legally liable. In this way, we can ensure the project quality is flawless.'

Liu Ju paused briefly, then continued: 'Loyal ministers, I will likewise not overlook the fairness of the bidding. We will formulate detailed and stringent bidding rules; all bidders, regardless of status, must strictly observe them. The bidding process will be open and transparent, subject to public supervision.'

Having said this, Liu Ju's gaze became even more resolute: 'As for the definition of the operating profit share, I will have the relevant departments formulate a scientific and reasonable allocation plan based on each project's scale, difficulty, expected benefits, etc., ensuring that the interests of the state, contractors, and the people are all balanced.'

The officials, upon hearing Liu Ju's explanation, all showed thoughtful expressions.

Although they still harbored doubts in their hearts, they could not help but admit that Liu Ju had considered things quite thoroughly.

At this moment, the ever-contemplative Zhang Qian spoke up again: 'Your Majesty, if commoners are allowed to undertake the projects, most of them have limited financial resources; how can they bear the startup funds? This would likely become a major obstacle for their participation.'

Liu Ju smiled slightly and said: 'Marquis of Bowang is quite right. To address this issue, I intend to establish a special loan program. The court will cooperate with local money shops to provide low-interest loans to capable and willing commoners who wish to undertake the projects, helping them solve the problem of startup funds.'

'After the projects are completed and profitable, the loans will be repaid gradually. This way, commoners will have the opportunity to participate in the southern development while alleviating their financial burden.'

After hearing Liu Ju's detailed explanation, the officials' doubts gradually dissipated.

They all knelt down and shouted in unison: 'Your Majesty is sagacious!'

Cleary, they now have greater understanding and approval of Liu Ju's southern development plan and the related measures.